Iran's Internet Blackout Becomes Longest Nationwide Shutdown on Record

KATHMANDU. The internet blackout in Iran, imposed immediately following the attacks by the US and Israel on February 28, has become the 'longest' nationwide shutdown ever recorded, according to NetBlocks, an internet monitoring and analysis organization, on Sunday.

NetBlocks stated in a tweet, "Iran's internet disruption is the longest nationwide internet shutdown ever recorded in any country. It has remained offline for 864 consecutive hours, marking the 37th day."

In another tweet, NetBlocks noted, "While some countries have experienced intermittent or regional-level internet disruptions for extended periods, North Korea remains disconnected from the global internet network entirely."

"We are constantly searching for ways to stay connected just to be able to hear reliable news," a 47-year-old woman from the central city of Isfahan expressed her concern to AFP on Saturday regarding the internet blackout.

"Being without the internet feels like being without oxygen. I feel trapped and suffocated," said a 53-year-old local from Tehran.

Iran's highly restricted local internet has been operational throughout the war, allowing people to connect to domestic websites.

To access international internet for news or restricted social media networks like Instagram, some are using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to mask their origins during rare moments when the network is available.

Since the start of the war, Iranians have been receiving notices and messages warning that they could be arrested or jailed on suspicion of using VPNs.

A very limited number of individuals have access to Starlink or other satellite-based internet providers. This network is also banned in Iran.

Previously, during anti-government protests in January that resulted in thousands of deaths, Iranians faced an 18-day internet blackout.